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The UK is a Cautionary Tale for the U.S.

by Noah Smith

Published 2026-07-20 06:51:10+00:00

How does a wealthy country end up with crumbling hospitals and the world’s most expensive trains?

0:00 / 21:37 · Narrator Charon

Context

Reports of DIY dentistry and a 200-million-pound "fish disco" for a nuclear plant that doesn't exist yet point to deep trouble across the Atlantic. In this piece published on 20 July 2026, the UK's economic stagnation serves as a warning for American policy. The comparison moves past simple insults to look at why the economy slowed down—from the high cost of blocking new housing to the impact of trade barriers. It asks what a nation loses when it forgets how to build.

Show notes

A comparison of the British and American economies, using the United Kingdom’s recent slow growth as a warning for the United States. The analysis identifies policy choices in housing, energy, and public services that stalled the British economy. It shows how restrictive building rules, a heavy reliance on the finance sector, and a sudden drop in trade can damage a wealthy nation.

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